New road safety proposals for non UK drivers
Tuesday 16th September 2008
Non UK drivers and hauliers who flout UK road rules could be fined and potentially have their vehicles immobilised. The aim of the system is to ensure that drivers resident in the UK cannot escape punishment for breaching UK safety laws.
The police and the V0SA (Vehicle Operator and Services Agency) have previously were unable to collect on the spot penalties from anyone who did not have a satisfactory UK address.
They will be able to issue penalty points against a non UK driver’s record for an endorsable offence. VOSA will be able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for offences such as driving un-roadworthy vehicles, breaching road traffic laws, the violation of drivers hours rules and driving with an overloaded vehicle.
The new measures will mean that non UK drivers are in a similar position to UK drivers in that they are issued with fixed penalties or prosecuted at Court for breaking UK laws. As of next year drivers without a UK address who commit offences will be liable to pay a financial penalty deposit which is equal to the amount of a fixed penalty or up to £300 as surety in respect of a potential Court fine.